Saturday, March 22, 2008

Global Perspective ~ Free Tibet!


Over 49 years ago, the Dalai Lama was exiled from Tibet and what progress has been made?

The most recent peaceful protests (albeit some looting) come only weeks after Kosovo official declared independence from Serbia (think President Medvedev to the north has Chechnya on his mind??). With Chinese governments monopoly on media, it is hard to get a clear picture of what exactly is happening in Tibet. However, from the personal accounts that have managed to make it out of the country, we have learned that the Chinese government has responded with brutal force to the protests, killing many Tibetans. Not only is the response of the Chinese government atrocious and severely disproportionate, but it shows a serious ineptitude on the behalf of the government with regards to understanding a separatist movement. Will unwarranted and brutal killings persuade and silence a people that have been oppressed for generation upon generation?

Tibet has long been a touchy subject for American politicians that forces even the most savvy of individuals to walk a political tight rope. A vast majority of the American public has long supported the independence of Tibet. While most politicians feel the same way, many will only go so far in expressing their feelings (especially those running for president) because they are aware of the growing influence (both financial and military strength) that the Chinese government holds (who loaned us all those billions of dollars for the Iraq War again?).

Here's what Obama had to say on Tibet:


I am deeply disturbed by reports of a crackdown and arrests ordered by Chinese authorities in the wake of peaceful protests by Tibetan Buddhist monks. I condemn the use of violence to put down peaceful protests, and call on the Chinese government to respect the basic human rights of the people of Tibet, and to account for the whereabouts of detained Buddhist monks.

These events come on the 49th anniversary of the exile of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama. They demonstrate the continuing frustration of the Tibetan people at the way in which Beijing has ruled Tibet. […]

Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy. […] Now is the time to respect the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet.

And Clinton:

I am deeply concerned about the violent clashes that have erupted in Lhasa, Tibet. Based on the limited information available, there is an urgent need for all parties, and in particular the Chinese security forces, to exercise restraint, to demonstrate respect for human rights and to protect civilians from danger. I call on the Chinese government to prevent further escalation of this conflict and to urgently pursue resolution through peaceful means.

Maverick McCain:

One of the first things I would talk about if I were President of the United States today is what's going on in Tibet. It's not correct that the people there are being subjected to mistreatment. That is not acceptable conduct from a world power, which China is. There must be respect for human rights, whether it be in Tibet or whether it be anyplace else in the world. I would hope that the Chinese would announce that they are actively seeking a peaceful resolution to this situation that exists which harms not only the human rights of people but also the image of China in the world
OK. So they all agree that the military blowback went over the top. But is there any disparity between the candidates?

McCain and Clinton both condemn the attacks and hope for a peaceful resolution. Obama goes one step further and overtly states, "Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy." This is what the Dalai Lama has been (peacefully) fighting for and this is what the Tibetan people so desperately seek and deserve. While McCain and Clinton point out that it is wrong how the Chinese government rules over Tibet, Obama asserts it is wrong that the Chinese government rules Tibet at all.

Oh, and how about that guy that is our president right now? Bush avoids the issue like the plague (or books, the news, and reality for that matter).

1 comment:

Nick.E.Jo said...

I support Obama because he makes bold, yet truthful and logical statements. I’m curious to know how active Obama would be for helping establish a sovereign Tibet nation. I would like to see a push for a free Tibet, but I believe China’s geopolitical code disallows any chances of a separation. For an emerging world power, losing control of a key region, may be interpreted as weakness or instability. China will surely not tolerate this, and as the world turns its eyes towards Beijing this summer, I believe the tension will escalate as China attempts to subdue any opposition.